Aurora police say shootings took nose dive

January 11, 2006

Aurora police say they saw half as many shootings in 2005 as they did the previous year.

Preliminary statistics released by the department Tuesday showed that police took 123 reports for shootings last year compared with 259 in 2004. Homicides also were down to 13 from 17, authorities said.

Police Chief William Powell credited the targeting of gangs in Aurora by federal and local authorities, as well as checks on convicted felons and better community relations.

Eight murders were attributed to gangs, police said. Three were tied to domestic violence, and two have unknown causes. The statistics do not include an ongoing investigation into the death of a six-week-old baby who may have been a victim of child abuse in December.

The chief said he wants to reduce shootings by an additional 20 percent in 2006 this year, to around 100.

"While I realize this is a huge goal, myself and the command staff believe it is achievable," he said. "But it is going to take teamwork from everyone--especially the community."